Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden pan-fried gnocchi tossed in fragrant sage-infused butter and finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting dish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 15 minutes pairs potato gnocchi, unsalted butter, fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted and foaming, add 10 fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and the butter begins to brown slightly.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz potato gnocchi in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes without stirring until the bottoms are golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the gnocchi gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the gnocchi are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, toss gently to combine, then remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the gnocchi before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep potato gnocchi from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Parmesan?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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